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  • © 2011

Self-Organized Criticality in Astrophysics

The Statistics of Nonlinear Processes in the Universe

Authors:

  • Addresses for the first time the subject of "Self-organized criticality" (SOC) in astrophysical systems
  • Identifies self-organized criticality behaviour in many nonlinear dissipative systems in the universe
  • Shows how the overall topic of natural complexity is becoming prevalent in many scientific disciplines
  • Illustrates the relevance of SOC to such sciences as astrophysics, geophysics, biophysics and ecophysics
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Springer Praxis Books (PRAXIS)

Part of the book sub series: Astronomy and Planetary Sciences (ASTRONOMY)

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Table of contents (10 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
  2. Self-Organized Criticality Phenomena

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 1-35
  3. Numerical SOC Models

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 37-81
  4. Analytical SOC Models

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 83-110
  5. Statistics of Random Processes

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 111-138
  6. Waiting-Time Distributions

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 139-170
  7. Event Detection Methods

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 171-200
  8. Occurrence Frequency Distributions

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 201-248
  9. Fractal Geometry

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 249-286
  10. Physical SOC Models

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 287-320
  11. SOC-Like Models

    • Markus Aschwanden
    Pages 321-346
  12. Back Matter

    Pages 347-416

About this book

Markus Aschwanden introduces the concept of self-organized criticality (SOC) and shows that due to its universality and ubiquity it is a law of nature for which he derives the theoretical framework and specific physical models in this book. He begins by providing an overview of the many diverse phenomena in nature which may be attributed to SOC behaviour.

The author then introduces the classic lattice-based SOC models that may be explored using numerical computer simulations. These simulations require an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of mathematical techniques which the author introduces and describes in subsequent chapters. These include the statistics of random processes, time series analysis, time scale distributions, and waiting time distributions. Such mathematical techniques are needed to model and understand the power-law-like occurrence frequency distributions of SOC phenomena. Finally, the author discusses fractal geometry and scaling laws before looking at a range of physical SOC models which may be applicable in various aspects of astrophysics. Problems, solutions and a glossary will enhance the pedagogical usefulness of the book.

SOC has been receiving growing attention in the astrophysical and solar physics community. This book will be welcomed by students and researchers studying complex critical phenomena.

Reviews

From the reviews:

“The main aim of the present book is the derivation of the theoretical framework and specific physical models of SOC. … The present work contains an extensive list of well-chosen references for further reading. The textbook is intended to be an introduction to the relatively new subject of self-organized criticality (SOC), which is suitable for students and post-docs, as well as for researchers.” (Claudia-Veronika Meister, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1211, 2011)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Technology Center, Solar & Astrophysics Lab., Lockheed Martin Advanced, Palo Alto, USA

    Markus Aschwanden

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access